The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians (Gift for History Buffs) Hardcover – Illustrated, October 29, 2019

Fascinating, insightful, entertaining conversations with the authors of some of the best books about American history that will inspire you to read more deeply on the subject.

Rubenstein proves his skill as an interviewer in this compilation of dialogues with authors. Introductions precede each interview, which reveal Rubenstein’s skill as an historian and author. Each chapter holds fascinating information into an American leader’s life and work, and an author’s work as historian and communicator.

The interview style of sharing interesting facts on famous American figures was easy to read and the historians selected are so knowledgeable on their subjects, as well as so respected. I recommend this read to everyone interested on American history.

This is a collection of Congressional Dialogue interviews conducted by David M. Rubenstein at the Library of Congress. The general standard of the interviews is quite high; it is a fine piece of historical work. This is so for several reasons: Rubenstein has selected the most knowledgeable subjects to interview; he carefully introduces each interview and provides the appropriate context; his questions are well thought out and evoke valuable responses from the interviewees; and everyone just seems comfortable and enthusiastic. Lately, Rubenstein has become a philanthropic megastar with substantial gifts to (among others) Monticello, the Jefferson Memorial restoration, as well as providing rare copies of the Magna Charta and the Federalist Papers to historical centers. He also is an extremely knowledgeable student of American history, well equipped to hold his own with interviewees of such stature.There are 16 interviews. Among the best are Jack Warren on Washington; Jon Meacham on Jefferson; Walter Isaacson on Franklin; Ron Chernow on Hamilton; A. Scott Berg on Lindbergh (full of surprises); Robert Caro on LBJ and Robert Moses; and an excellent H.W. Brands on Reagan. Chief Justice Roberts is also included in an interview about the Court. But really all are outstanding, because Rubinstein has selected carefully from those who have written extensively on the subject of their interview, and asked perceptive and informed questions.The remaining essays focus on John Adams (David McCullough); Founding Mothers (Cokie Roberts); Lincoln (Doris Kearns Goodwin); FDR (Jay Winik); Ike (Jean Edward Smith); JFK (Richard Reeves); Martin Luther King (Taylor Branch); and Richard Nixon (Bob Woodward). One of the strengths of the book, and a considerable one at that, is that even when an interviewee is discussing a familiar figure, out pop some interesting new facts or angles. The interviews on Hamilton, Ike, JFK, and King and Reagan especially manifest this and make for interesting reading. Like M&Ms, reading just a single interview is hard to do: the richness of the material just draws the reader in. So thanks again to David Rubenstein for another important historical contribution.

This book was set up in a most interesting way. The conversations were very informative and included unknown , interesting details in many cases. I have recommended it to many friends who are interested in how historical events affect our society today.

This book has good info about many leaders. It shares many important points from authors and Chief Justice Roberts. One can get the books discussed to go more in depth.

GREAT BOOK FOR GIFTS!

The box was received sliced all the away open from one end to the other with a razor or knife. The contents was a book and was NOT damaged. The driver should have called to our attention. The damaged box was very obvious. Thank you, K. C.